​Cold Sores or Herpes Simplex . . .

Herpes simplex causes a viral skin condition which is known as cold sores (on the face ), whitlows (on fingers) or 'herpes' on genitals or other skin areas. Facial herpes (cold sores) and genital herpes have similar symptoms and are managed in the same way. There are two strains of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 (Herpes simplex virus type 1) usually causes facial cold sores, but also commonly causes genital herpes. HSV-2 (Herpes simplex virus type 2) most commonly causes genital herpes. Herpes is a skin problem, not a life-threatening infection. It is manageable and treatable and shouldn't be seen as a reflection on your lifestyle or personal hygiene. Approximately 80% of people carry HSV-1 and 25% HSV-2 by the time they are adults, but only 20% will experience symptoms.

SYMPTOMSClassic symptoms of cold sores are a tingling, burning or itchiness in the area of skin where the cold sore occurs. Blisters develop and burst, crusty scabs form then crack open. There may be pain, fever and feeling unwell. Healing takes place without leaving a scar, usually within a week or two. Most people who are infected with the herpes simplex virus do not experience any symptoms and other people may have mild or non-typical symptoms such as a pimple or cracks in the corner of their mouth.

PREVENTION AND TREATMENTThe herpes virus is very contagious and is easily spread by skin-to-skin contact with other people through kissing, touching or through oral sex. Less commonly it can be spread by touching a cold sore then your eyes, or where the skin is broken. The virus is spread in the fluid of the blisters. However, it is important to remember the virus can still be spread when no obvious symptoms are present.

SELF CARE: HELP PREVENT A COLD SORE SPREADING TO OTHERS• Avoid direct skin contact e.g. touching or picking the cold sore especially when it has blistered. Do not break your cold sore blister. Avoid kissing and avoid oral sex as the virus can be transmitted to your partner.• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching the cold sore or applying treatment.• Be careful not to touch the cold sore then rub your eyes. Take extra care with hand hygiene if you wear contact lenses and when applying or removing make-up.• Use your own eating or drinking utensils, towels and face cloths when you have a cold sore, do not share them with others.• Avoid sharing lipsticks or lip balms. Test your lipsticks on your hands rather than lips.• Be very careful around newborn babies, pregnant women and people with lowered immune systems.

TREATMENTTreat cold sores early to help them heal faster and prevent spread to other parts of the body or to other people. The following applications are recommended for facial cold sores but are not as effective for treating genital herpes.

ANTIVIRAL CREAMS:• These generally need to be applied to the cold sores as soon as possible to be most effective.• Some creams need to be applied five times daily, about every four hours, for four or five days and sometimes maybe, up to ten days. If it is needed for longer see your doctor.• Dab the cream on gently. Don't re-use the same finger for applying more cream as this can contaminate the medicine in the container or tube. Use a different finger or a disposable applicator (e.g. cotton bud) to reapply the cream.• When the blisters have formed, keep the area clean by bathing with warm water and drying gently with paper tissues. Put used tissues into the rubbish.• Moisturise and protect the sore with lip balm or cream.

COLD SORE PATCH:This special dressing can be very effective if used as soon as the tingling occurs. It protects the cold sore and seals it, the blisters are reduced and scabs don't form.

ORAL ANTIVIRAL MEDICATION:For people who get cold sores or genital herpes often or suffer from very severe and painful sores then medication is available on prescription from your doctor. Having medication ready and using it early can prevent progression to advanced stages. For further information about managing and treating genital herpes go to www.herpes .org.nz

PAIN RELIEFCommon pain relievers, e.g. paracetamol, may be taken to help reduce the pain of cold sores.

PREGNANCY:Tell your pharmacist if you are pregnant or are intending to become pregnant.

MANAGING YOUR COLD SORE TRIGGERSMany adults and children carry the virus but it doesn't bother them most of the time as it lives in nerve cells closest to where the cold sore appears, but appears to be asleep. However certain things can "trigger" the virus and make it active. These triggers include• Stress, fatigue.• Extreme temperatures, sunlight/ultraviolet radiation.• Hormonal changes, pregnancy, menstruation.• Low immunity, immunosuppressant drugs.Once triggers are identified they can be avoided to prevent further outbreaks of cold sores. Keep fit, get plenty of sleep to help manage your stress. Use a sunscreen on lips and skin (SPF30+) for sun and snow protection, if UV rays trigger your cold sores.